"A"
"B"
"C",
"D",
"E",
"F",
"G",
"H",
"I",
"J",
"K",
"L",
"M",
"N",
"O",
"P",
"Q",
"R",
"S",
"T",
"U",
"V",
"W",
"X",
"Y",
"Z"
The previous portion of the C listing;
"C" Definitions and Terms
COVALENT BOND. A type of linkage between atoms in which the atoms share valence electrons.
CRC - This stands for "Cyclic Redundancy Code". The term "CRC" seems to be reserved for algorithms that are based on the "polynomial" division. The essential mathematical operation in the calculation of a CRC is binary division, and the remainder from the division determines the CRC. CRC's cannot, however, be safely relied upon to verify data integrity. CRC types are often identified by the polynomial, which is the number used as the divisor. A number of pages on this site make reference to the CRC used for different electronic Interface Buses.
CREST (TOP). The peak of the positive alternation (maximum value above the line) of a wave.
CRITICAL ANGLE. The maximum angle at which radio waves can be transmitted and still be refracted
back to earth.
CRITICAL FREQUENCY. The maximum frequency at which a radio wave can be transmitted vertically
and still be refracted back to earth.
CROSSED-FIELD AMPLIFIER. A high-power electron tube that converts dc to microwave power by a
combination of crossed electric and magnetic fields.
CROSSED-OVER CABLE. A networking cable that internally swaps the Transmit and Receive wires, allowing direct connection between devices.
CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA. The area of a "slice" of an object. When applied to electrical conductors it
is usually expressed in circular mils.
CRYSTAL. A natural substance, such as quartz or tourmaline, that is capable of producing a voltage when
under physical stress or of producing physical movement when a voltage is applied. Manufacturers
CRYSTAL FURNACE. A device for artificially growing cylindrical crystals to be used in the production
of semiconductor substrates.
CRYSTAL MICROPHONE. A microphone that uses the piezoelectric effect of crystalline matter to
generate a voltage from sound waves. [Microphone Manufacturers ]
CRYSTAL OVEN. A closed oven maintained at a constant temperature in which a crystal and its holder
are enclosed to reduce frequency drift.
CURRENT. The movement of electrons past a reference point. The passage of electrons through a
conductor. Measured in amperes.
CURRENT-FEED METHOD. Same as CENTER-FEED METHOD.
CURRENT RATING. The safe current-carrying capacity of a wire or cable on a continuous basis. See AWG
CURRENT REGULATOR. A circuit that provides a constant current output.
CURRENT STANDING-WAVE RATIO (ISWR). The ratio of maximum to minimum current along a
transmission line.
CUTOFF. The condition in a tube or transistor whereby the reverse bias prevents current flow.
CUTOFF FREQUENCY. The frequency at which the attenuation of a waveguide increases sharply and
below which a traveling wave in a given mode cannot be maintained. A frequency with a half wavelength
that is greater than the wide dimension of a waveguide.
CW DEMODULATOR. A circuit that detects the presence of RF oscillations and converts them into a
useful form.
CYCLE. One complete positive and one complete negative alternation of a current or voltage.
A 360-degree rotation of a vector generating a sine wave.
"D" Terms and Definitions
